1. Contempt (Synonyms): Disdain, scorn Strong feelings of disapproval toward what seems base, mean, or worthless Disapproval tinged with disgust Describes Jewish view of Jesus; Jews are not alone Mt.22:1-14 (21:28-32, 33-46)

2. I. Three Groups Of People

3. 1. The wayside – three brands 1. The good: said no (3). Mt.23:37 2. The bad: ignored; busy (5). Mt.21:30 Preoccupied with farms, businesses Forgot cost of salvation, uncertainty of life, value of soul, authority of God The invitation: honor and command

4. 1. The wayside – three brands 1. The good: said no (3). Mt.23:37 2. The bad: ignored; busy (5). Mt.21:30 3. The ugly: angry (6) Mistreated Mt.21:34-39 Murdered Mt.10:21-22

5. 2. Good ground, 10 Said yes to God. Makes sense to listen Those who reject gospel do not frustrate purpose of God feast They go to feast [salvation; studies] Nu.13-14 Jews Canaan Mt.22:3-6 Jews Feast Joshua Jews Canaan Mt.22:8-10 Gen. Feast

6. Wayside Good ground 3. Full, 10-12 Accepted invitation, but didn’t last (as rocky or thorny soil) Man w/o wedding clothes  Indifferent?  Careless?  Lazy?  Stubborn? Real problem: Full, not hungry Mt.5:6

7. I. Three Groups Of People II. Gospel Is For All, With Conditions

8. God calls good and evil (3-4, 8-10) After calling, He questions (11-12) Wants all to come; won’t tolerate those who abandon holiness Wedding garment: clean clothes suit- able for the occasion? The question... the answer (Ro.1:20)

9. Wrath of God Accepting the invitation is not enough 13, bound = will never escape WARNING Unbelievers 1-8 Believers 9-14 Against the unwilling (3), busy (5), violent (6)... and some who came (10-13)

10. Mt.24:38-39 Even the chosen get distracted There is a small step between Christ mocked and Christ crucified We can live the life Distracted by life…by second-best Scraps…ritual…tradition (1 Co.11:29)

11. What should I wear? Put on Christ in obedience, Ga.3:26-27 Wear Him in faithfulness (Ro.13:14; Rv.19:7-8) “…and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” – Col.3:10 Jesus look-alikes

12. I. Three Groups Of People III. We Know Elect By Obedience II. Gospel Is For All, W. Conditions

13. Many are called, few chosen, 14 2 Th.2:14 Calvin: unconditionally chosen by God “We preach no restricted gospel. All who hear that gospel are called, but it does not come w. power to every heart: but few are chosen” –Charles Spurgeon Man can be only “completely passive in the process of conversion” and there can be no “cause w/in men for their different reactions to the gospel” –G. C. Berkouwer

14. Lord says no! Mt.22:14, our fate = our choice  He chooses those who choose Him  He rejects those who reject Him (23:37) Mt.22:8 = Ac.13:46-48 “To be chosen does not mean to be thrust into the Kingdom apart from our decision and regardless of our conduct” – Robert Mounce

15. Readiness: fulness of time, Ga.4:4 Those who reject: Jews, ch.21 Servants: John B., apostles, & others Many: Gentiles (10; 28:19) Inspection of king: Judgment Few Few: chosen (the faithful) Mt.21:28-32 Don’t just talk about serving God Mt.21:33-46 Perils of disobeying God Mt.22:1-14 Not enough to accept invitation